Thursday, January 2, 2014

Kat Sloma masterminded a photography practice she calls "Photo Heart Connection," where she encourages photographers to review their photos once a month and choose the one which most touches and connects to their heart. For December, I have chosen this sunset photo (filtered in instagram) at the local light house. We have had a spectacular month for winter sunsets, and Clara and I have enjoyed chasing and capturing them together. Happy memories flood my heart when I look this photograph. But there's more. A lighthouse is a beacon, a signal of hope, a marker of reaching landfall. And as 2013 draws to a close, I am filled with hope. Happy to be through with the turbulent seas life threw our way in the past year. Ready to follow the beacon to a safe harbor and a wonderful 2014. *********************************************This month, there were two other contenders I wanted to note. The first from our trip to the tree farm:

Once more, a girl and her dog. I never tire of looking at the connection between these two. And there's more. It represents Clara's intended future - she plans to become a dog behaviorist and have a business boarding and grooming dogs as well. And it's one more piece of photographic evidence of a happy, healthy, directed Clara.The second is from our trip to Southern California:

This is Henry and Clara, with their cousin Maddie, visiting the cemetery on Christmas morning to honor and reminisce about my parents. I was so touched that they all wanted to go. But, again, there is more. They all took time while we were there to tidy up some of the other grave sites where Christmas decorations had fallen over or come apart. Their sweetness and caring revealed their good hearts and touched mine. ************************************************I have done PHC every month this year, and I'm really glad I did. I reviewed my PHC posts this morning (you can see them all at this link) and they are definitely some of my favorite from the year because of the photography and the writing. It's hard to pick a favorite, but I think this is my favorite photograph of the year:

My favorite photo-heart journaling can be found in this post.Thanks Kat for hosting Photo-Heart Connection. You can link up with Kat's December PHC and see other photographer's selections at this link.

22 comments:

Your lighthouse picture is stunning! You have captured two of my most favorite things in the world: sunsets and lighthouses. I should put review photos on my list of things to do monthly. That would be a good practice. I noticed you change your profile picture. Nice photo of you and you look great in your hat!

I LOVE the Lighthouse/sunset photo - it is a great photo on its own, but with all it represents for you, it really does have so much connection to offer. I think I will join in Photo Heart Connection during 2014.

Such positive vibes come thru in this post. I can see why the lighthouse image appeals....that sky put on a beautiful show for you.Your Clara sounds like an extra special little lady.And wait there's more-that last image is fantastic.

What a beautiful post, Rinda! I am so happy that you are entering 2014 with hope. Your lighthouse photograph is perfect for expressing your thoughts. I'm so glad that the Photo-Heart Connection practice has brought you much in 2013. It always does for me too. Here's to 2014!

I am touched that your family wanted to visit the resting place of their grandparents. There are so many kind and loving people in this world, and obviously you are amongst the many. You are raising your children right....or they would have preferred to be elsewhere.

Maria "Rinda" Ontiveros

Artist & Blogger

2016 Summertime Scavenger Hunt

The List!

1. A "wild heart" - a naturally occurring heart (like the rock above, but it doesn't have to be a rock)2. A footprint or pawprint3. A skeleton, bone or x-ray4. A book or magazine read during 20165. A porch or deck6. A camper (caravan)7. A family gathering8. A drawing, art project, artistic photograph, scrapbook page, greeting card, or art journal page created by you.9. Someone playing with, in, or around water.10. A bicycle11. Fresh produce12. A window13. The moon14. A buffet of food15. A team logo16. A map showing a trip taken during the time period17. Twins18. A supermarket cart, basket or trolley full of groceries 19. A seasonal cocktail or beverage20. Someone laughing21. A photograph of you with a newspaper or calendar page from the time period covered in the Hunt. Note: you may not use a substitute for this item.Alternatives - if you're having trouble finding any of the above, you may substitute from this list (but you may not substitute for item #21):alternative 1: a lighthousealternative 2: a baby (human or animal)